Perfusion Insider Summer 2016

Recognizing 40 Years of Bio-Pump and Bio-Console at CREF 2016

The CREF Annual Meeting was held in Long Beach, California, February 24 – 27, 2016. On Friday, Medtronic hosted a lunch event “40 Years of Mending Broken Hearts”, recognizing  the 40 year anniversary of the Bio-Pump and Bio-Console. Michael Cristoforo, CCP, Manager Perfusion Services, Medical College of Wisconsin and Chief Clinical Perfusionist, Froedtert Hospital , provided an engaging look at the 40 year legacy of centrifugal pumps, including the age old debate: roller vs centrifugal pump effects. The presentation referenced previous pump studies and was augmented by recent lab observations.

There was a full house in attendance for the presentation, which covered the history of the Bio-Pump from the early years, starting with the visionary co-inventors Edson Rafferty and Dr. Harold Kletschka; and featuring the story of Barbara Kletschka, Dr. Kletschka’s sister, who selflessly volunteered to be the first human clinical test of the Bio-Pump in 1975. For more information on the 40 year history, click here(opens new window).

In a moving tribute, special guests Edson Rafferty and Barbara Kletschka, sister of Dr. Harold Kletschka, were recognized with a standing ovation for their contributions.

The presentation concluded with a look at key considerations of pump choice and the clinical benefits of centrifugal pumps.

In addition to the lunch program, Medtronic curated a Bio-Console Museum featuring the evolution of the Bio-Console over the past 40 years. Visitors were able to see how the various models changed over time, and reminisce about their early cases and experiences.